What Are QR Codes?

According to Wikipedia, A QR Code (abbreviated from Quick Response Code) is a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) that is readable by dedicated QR readers, smartphones, and, to a less common extent, computers with webcams. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, URL, or other data.

Common in Japan, where it was created by Toyota subsidiary Denso Wave in 1994 to track car parts, the QR Code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. The QR Code was designed to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.

How do you read the Code?

All you need is a QR Code reader for your camera-equipped cell phone and there are many apps out there that will work on nearly all smart phones. Most of the apps are free and you may want to have more than one as they have different features and some work better on certain QR Codes than others.

According to 2d-code.co.uk, the best of the available readers in alphabetical order are:

How do I use a QR Code in my MARKETING ATLAS ad?

There’s no shortage of ways to use QR Codes in your ad. The coolest aspect of the QR Code is that it allows you to keep your ad current even though the ATLAS prints once a year.

You can have your QR Code link to a special page on your website with a coupon just for the readers of the MARKETING ATLAS that you can update as often as you like! You can also alert our readers to new services or products or changes in your company. Or you can incorporate some or all of the things below:

Start an email message with subject line like, “Send me more information” or “Add me to your mailing list”

A coupon

Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn IDs

A link to a YouTube video

Here are some samples of cutting-edge ATLAS advertisers who utilized QR codes in their 2011 ads! (And one Tag!! Way to represent, Jim and Betty!) Notice the different sizes of Codes used and the variety of emphasis put on them.

Looking for more information on QR codes?

As we run across useful sites and articles, we’ll provide links to them here.